Saga Dawa observed at Tathagata Tsal

NAMCHI, 15 June [IPR]: Saga Dawa was observed at Tathagata Tsal, Ravangla on Thursday with a special programme organized by the administration of Tathagata Tsal and Mane Choekerling Management and Development Committee. Governor Shriniwas Patil was present as the chief guest and was received at the Tsal by Power Minister DD Bhutia, who also happens to be the area MLA along with DC (South) Prabhakar Verma and ADC (Ravangla) Tashi Chopel.
The daylong celebration commenced with Governor offering prayers at the main shrine of Tathagata Tsal which included lighting of the butter lamps and seeking the blessings of the 12th Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche.
Speaking on the auspicious event, Governor Shriniwas Patil stated, "I am fortunate to take this opportunity along with the people of Sikkim and offer prayers in one of the most religious Buddhist centres, Tathagata Tsal". He applauded the communal harmony existing in Sikkim and added that today he is praying for sustainability of communal harmony in the state and also for world peace.
The divine occasion of Saga Dawa also saw many devotees and tourists seeking the blessing of the 12th Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche who also observed the 'wang' ceremony along with a daylong prayer. Governor Shriniwas Patil paid his respects to the Rinpoche with a traditional scarf.
Prior to the commencement of the Saga Dawa celebration, Minister DD Bhutia welcomed the 12th Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche to the main shrine and offered prayers. Also, present were Additional Secretary to the Governor, Thakur Thapa and SDM (Ravangla) BK Rai.